U.S. patent application number 12/950677 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-19 for replaceable forehead liner.
Invention is credited to Chih-Tsan CHIEN.
Application Number | 20120012113 12/950677 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45465927 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120012113 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHIEN; Chih-Tsan |
January 19, 2012 |
REPLACEABLE FOREHEAD LINER
Abstract
A replaceable forehead liner for the continuous positive airway
pressure machine, which includes a base, a support, and a locking
member. The base has a plurality of flexible pads and a connecting
member for bridging the flexible pads. The support has a plurality
of support pillars and a support plate connecting the support
pillars. The support pillars, the support plate, and the flexible
pads form a hollow area, and each support pillar has a hollow hole.
The hollow area and holes make the support pillars elastic and
compressible. The locking member forms off the surface of the
support pillars and the support plate, with the locking member
being wider than the side of the hollow area. The locking member
has a locking portion for engaging to the clipping portion of the
CPAP mask. Functionally, the replaceable forehead liner is more
secured and improves pressure relief for the user.
Inventors: |
CHIEN; Chih-Tsan; (Tu-Cheng,
TW) |
Family ID: |
45465927 |
Appl. No.: |
12/950677 |
Filed: |
November 19, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
128/206.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 16/06 20130101;
A61M 16/0633 20140204 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/206.21 |
International
Class: |
A61M 16/06 20060101
A61M016/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 16, 2010 |
TW |
99123463 |
Claims
1. A replaceable forehead liner for a CPAP mask having a clipping
portion, comprising: a base member (31) having a pair of flexible
pads (311) integrally joined by a connecting member (312), each pad
having an inner surface (3111) and an outer surface (3112); a
support member (32) having a pair of support pillars (321) each
respectively extending from the outer surface of the flexible pad;
a support plate (322) integrally joining the support pillars,
wherein the base member and the support member defines a hollow
portion (34) therebetween, thereby forming an elastic and flexible
support structure; and a locking member (33) extending from the
support member having a width greater than the width of the hollow
portion for engaging to the clipping portion of the mask.
2. The replaceable forehead liner for the CPAP mask of claim 1,
wherein each flexible pad has at least one groove on the inner
surface.
3. The replaceable forehead liner for the CPAP mask of claim 1,
wherein each supporting body has an opening smaller than the hollow
hole; wherein the opening is located near the flexible pad.
4. The replaceable forehead liner for the CPAP mask of claim 3,
wherein each support pillar has a supporting base elevated above
the outer surface of the flexible pad and a supporting arm
extending from the supporting base; wherein the supporting arm
holds the hollow hole and the opening; wherein the support further
comprises a pair of cushions, wherein each cushion forms inside the
hollow hole and points toward the base.
5. The replaceable forehead liner for the CPAP mask of claim 4,
wherein each flexible pad of the base has a thru hole; wherein the
thru hole is internally connected to the opening in the
support.
6. The replaceable forehead liner for the CPAP mask of claim 5,
wherein the inner surface of each flexible pad forms a concave
portion connected to the thru hole; wherein the wall of the concave
portion forms a protrusion portion.
7. The replaceable forehead liner for the CPAP mask of claim 1,
wherein the locking portion of the locking member has a groove-like
shape; wherein the clipping portion of the mask has an engaging
slot for the locking portion.
8. A replaceable forehead liner for the CPAP mask, wherein the mask
has a clipping portion, comprising: a base member having a pair of
flexible pads connected by a connecting member, each flexible pad
having a inner surface and a outer surface; a support member having
a pair of support pillars each respectively extending from the
second surfaces of the flexible pads and an support plate
integrally joining the support pillars, wherein the support member
and the base member define a hollow portion therebetween, thereby
forming an elastic and flexible support structure; and a pair of
locking members extending from the surfaces of the support pillars,
the locking member having a width greater than the width of the
hollow portion for engaging to the clipping portion of the
mask.
9. The replaceable forehead liner for the CPAP mask of claim 8,
wherein each flexible pad has at least one groove on the inner
surface.
10. The replaceable forehead liner for the CPAP mask of claim 8,
wherein each support pillar has an opening smaller than the hollow
hole; wherein the opening is located near the flexible pad.
11. The replaceable forehead liner for the CPAP mask of claim 10,
wherein each support pillar has a supporting base elevated above
the outer surface of the flexible pad and a supporting arm
extending from the supporting base; wherein the supporting arm
holds the hollow hole and the opening; wherein the support further
comprises a pair of cushions, wherein each cushion forms inside the
hollow hole and points toward the base.
12. The replaceable forehead liner for the CPAP mask of claim 11,
wherein each flexible pad of the base has a thru hole; wherein the
thru hole is internally connected to the opening in the
support.
13. The replaceable forehead liner for the CPAP mask of claim 12,
wherein the inner surface of each flexible pad forms a concave
portion connected to the thru hole; wherein the wall of the concave
portion forms a protrusion portion.
14. The replaceable forehead liner for the CPAP mask of claim 8,
wherein the locking portion of the locking member has a groove-like
shape; wherein the clipping portion of the mask has an engaging
slot for the locking portion.
15. The replaceable forehead liner for the CPAP mask of claim 14,
wherein the clipping portion corresponding to the outer edge of the
support has a lip; wherein the support plate of the support has a
set piece; wherein the lip has a set groove corresponding to the
location of the set piece; wherein the set piece engages to the set
groove; wherein the support is partially covered by the lip.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The instant disclosure relates to a replaceable forehead
liner; in particular, a replaceable forehead liner for a face mask
of the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] The continuous positive airway pressure machine, or CPAP, is
primarily used for treating sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep
disorder characterized by the collapsing of soft tissues around the
throat area, which can obstruct breathing during sleep. Individuals
with sleep apnea experience difficulty in breathing, and may lead
to suffocation in severe cases. Using CPAP, the patient wears a
mask that is connected to an air pump. The air pump is delivering
pressurized air, which keeps the person's airway open for
unobstructed breathing.
[0005] To maintain pressurized air, the mask is sealed on the face.
To reduce skin irritation, a flexible liner is used for the
mask.
[0006] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the forehead liner 1a is clipped
to the mask 2a. The forehead liner 1a comprises a support arm 11a
and two forehead cushions 12a. The forehead cushions 12a clips to
the support arm 11a by two quick-clip balls 121a. Similarly, the
support arm 11a uses a quick-clip 111a to clip onto the mask 2a.
However, the quick-clip features may be insecure; plus, excessive
pressure tends to concentrate around the quick-clip regions in
causing discomfort to the user.
[0007] FIG. 3 shows another forehead liner 1b with internal
openings 11b in providing flexibility. A T-shaped clipping portion
12b forms off the top of the forehead liner 1b for clipping to the
mask 2a (not shown). However, the clipping portion 12b has a small
contact area, which can clip insecurely. With the hollow openings
11b, the forehead liner 1b is weaker structurally in relieving the
excessive pressure.
[0008] A third typical forehead liner 1c is shown in FIG. 4 with
structural similarity to the previous example. Namely, the forehead
liner 1c comprises internal openings 11c and a T-shaped clipping
portion 12c. Functionally, the forehead liner 1c has similar
disadvantages as the forehead liner discussed previously.
[0009] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a fourth type forehead liner 1d
having a support arm 11d with two forehead cushions 12d. Two
clipping portions 111d protrude off the top of the support arm 11d
for clipping to the mask (not shown). The forehead cushions 12d can
be formed integrally with the support arm 11d. Alternatively, as
shown in FIG. 7, the forehead cushion 12d' can be a separate piece
for clipping to the support arm 11d. However, the slanted clipping
portions 111d do not clip easily and are weaker structurally. As a
separate unit, the forehead cushion 12d' is less effective in
dispersing applied pressure to the user.
[0010] To address the above issues, the inventor proposes the
following solution.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The instant disclosure relates to a replaceable forehead
liner for the CPAP mask. The advantages include more secured
clipping structure to prevent the liner from loosening. Also, the
liner is improved structurally to better disperse applied pressure
in providing more comfort to the users.
[0012] To meet the above object, the instant disclosure provides a
replaceable forehead liner for the CPAP mask and a clipping portion
of the mask. The liner comprises a base, a support, and at least
one locking member.
[0013] The base has two flexible pads and a connecting member
connecting the flexible pads. Each flexible pad has a inner surface
and a outer surface, where the inner surface snugs to the user's
forehead. Preferably, each inner surface has at least one embedded
groove.
[0014] The support member has two support pillars extending from
the outer surface of the two flexible pads, and also includes a
support plate integrally joining the support pillars. The support
member and the base member define a hollow area therebetween.
Furthermore, each support pillar forms a hollow hole, which makes
the support pillar elastic and compressible. The locking member
forms off the surface of the support pillars and the support plate,
and the locking member is wider than the side of the hollow area.
The locking member has a locking portion for clipping to the
clipping portion of the mask.
[0015] The instant disclosure has the following advantages.
Structurally, the hollow area and holes enable better pressure
relief. Also, the flexible pads can be adjusted slightly to reduce
the occurrence of pressure sores, thus providing better comfort to
the users. The locking member is wider than the hollow area and the
hollow holes, which offers more contact area for engaging the liner
to the mask more securely. In addition, the grooves on the flexible
pads provide friction to prevent the liner from slipping off the
forehead.
[0016] In order to further appreciate the characteristics and
technical contents of the instant disclosure, references are
hereunder made to the detailed descriptions and appended drawings
in connection with the instant disclosure. However, the appended
drawings are merely shown for exemplary purposes, rather than being
used to restrict the scope of the instant disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a typical CPAP mask of the
prior art.
[0018] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a forehead liner of the
CPAP mask in FIG. 1 of the prior art.
[0019] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a second typical forehead
liner of the CPAP mask of the prior art.
[0020] FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a third typical forehead
liner of the CPAP mask of the prior art.
[0021] FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a fourth typical forehead
liner of the CPAP mask of the prior art.
[0022] FIG. 6 shows another schematic view of a fourth typical
forehead liner of the CPAP mask of the prior art.
[0023] FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of another forehead cushion
for a fourth typical forehead liner of the CPAP mask of the prior
art.
[0024] FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of a replaceable liner for the
first embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 9 shows another schematic view of a replaceable liner
for the first embodiment
[0026] FIG. 10 shows a plan view of a replaceable liner for the
first embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 11 shows an assembly view of a CPAP mask.
[0028] FIG. 12 shows a schematic view of using a replaceable
liner.
[0029] FIG. 13 shows a first plan view of a replaceable liner of
the first embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 14 shows a second plan view of a replaceable liner of
the first embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 15 shows a third plan view of a replaceable liner of
the first embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 16 shows another assembly view of a CPAP mask.
[0033] FIG. 17 shows a schematic view of a replaceable liner of the
second embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 18 shows a plan view of a replaceable liner of the
second embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 19 shows another schematic view of a replaceable liner
of the second embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 20 shows an assembly view of a CPAP mask of the second
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] FIGS. 8 to 10 show the replaceable forehead liner 3
according to the first embodiment of the instant disclosure. The
replaceable forehead liner 3 is formed integrally comprising a base
31, a support 32, and a locking member 33. The base 31 has two
flexible pads 311 and a connecting member 312 for bridging the
flexible pads 311 as one integral body. The flexible pad 311 is
elastic and compressible with an inner surface 3111 on the face
side and an outer surface 3112 on the flip side. Preferably, the
inner surface 3111 of each flexible pad 311 has at least one groove
313. The groove 313 provides friction in preventing the liner from
slipping off the face and also diverts perspirations. Structurally,
the flexible pads 311 can be either angled or leveled
horizontally.
[0038] The support 32 has two support pillars 321 and a support
plate 322. Each support pillar 321 is formed off the outer surface
3112 of the flexible pad 311. The support plate 322 extends from
the ends of the support pillars 321 in bridging the support pillars
321 as one integral body. Also, the support pillars 321, the
support plate 322, and the flexible pads 311 together define a
hollow area 34. Furthermore, each support pillar 321 further has a
hollow hole 3211 for providing better elasticity and flexibility.
Each support pillar 321 has a supporting base 3213 elevated off the
outer surface 3112 of the flexible pad 311, and including a
supporting arm 3214 extending off the supporting base 3213. The
supporting arm 3214 holds the hollow hole 3211.
[0039] The locking member 33 forms off the support pillars 321 and
the support plate 322. For increasing the clipping area, as shown
in FIG. 10, a length d1 of the locking member 33 must be greater
than or equal to a length d2 of the hollow area 34. The locking
member 33 comprises a grooved locking portion 331. Preferably, the
length d3 of each flexible pad 311 is greater than or equal to the
length d2 of the hollow area 34, for increasing the contact surface
to disperse the exerted pressure.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 11, the replaceable forehead liner 3 can be
clipped onto a CPAP mask 4. Structurally, the mask 4 has a clipping
portion 41 for engaging the locking portion 331 of the locking
member 33.
[0041] FIG. 12 shows a schematic view of using the replaceable
forehead liner 3. Also refer to FIGS. 8 and 9. The flexible pads
311 and the connecting member 312 can be slightly adjusted to fit
the user's forehead for comfort. Furthermore, the hollow area 34
and the hollow holes 3211 of the support pillars 321 allows
flexibility for the support pillars 321 and the support plate 322
for providing better comfort to the users. On the other hand, the
grooves 313 on the inner surface 3111 of the flexible pad 311
prevent the liner from slipping off the forehead. The grooves 313
also help to divert perspirations in providing more comfort to the
users.
[0042] In the instant embodiment, the clipping portion 41 has an
engaging slot 411 for engaging to the locking portion 331. Since
the locking member 33 is wider than the hollow area 34, the locking
portion 331 is wider accordingly, which provides more secured
engagement to the mask 4.
[0043] Furthermore, the instant embodiment can be modified as shown
in FIG. 13. Each support pillar 321 of the support 32 forms an
opening 3212. The opening 3212 is smaller than the hollow holes
3211, and the opening 3212 is formed on the supporting arm 3214
near the flexible pad 311. The openings 3212 provide additional
flexibility to the supporting arms 3214 of the support pillars 321
for dispersing exerted pressure.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 14 of the instant embodiment, the height h
of the support pillars 321' of the support 32 is shorter than 321.
Based on the preference of the user, the replaceable forehead liner
3 with appropriate height h can be selected.
[0045] Alternatively, FIGS. 15 and 16 show another variation of the
instant embodiment. Namely, the locking portion 331' of the locking
member 33' can be a plurality of spaced male engaging members.
Accordingly, the clipping portion 41' of the mask 4 has a plurality
of female engaging slots 412' for interlocking to the male engaging
members of the locking portion 331'. Such interlocking alternative
also disperses applied pressure in preventing the occurrence of
pressure sores to the users.
[0046] FIGS. 17 and 18 show a second embodiment of the instant
disclosure. The second embodiment has two locking members 33''
formed off the support pillars 321''. The length d1 of the locking
member 33'' is greater than or equal to the length d4 of the hollow
hole 3211 for providing greater clipping area. The locking portion
331'' is formed as a groove around the outer surface of the locking
member 33''. Accordingly, the clipping portion of the mask has
corresponding engaging slots (not shown).
[0047] The support 32 can further have two cushions 323. Each
cushion 323 is formed inside the hollow hole 3211 pointing towards
the base 31. When the support 32 is under pressure and thus
deforms, the cushions 323 butt against the other side of the hollow
hole 3211 in minimizing the deformation of the support 32. In turn,
the cushions 323 act to maintain the structural integrity of the
liner relative to the mask. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 19, the base
31 can further have two thru holes 314. Each thru hole 314 is
formed inside the flexible pad 311, with an internal passage thru
the supporting base 3213 of the support 32 to the opening 3212. In
turn, the thru holes 314 act as air vents, such as venting heat
away from the user in providing greater comfort.
[0048] In addition to the thru holes 314, the inner surface 3111 of
the flexible pad 311 can further have a concave portion 315'' and a
protrusion portion 316''. The thru hole 314, the concave portion
315'', and the protrusion portion 316'' keeps the flexible pad 311
from sticking uncomfortably to the forehead of the user.
[0049] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, a set piece 324''
can be disposed on the outer edge of the support plate 322 of the
support 32. When attaching the replaceable forehead liner 3 to the
mask 4, the set piece 324'' acts as a reference point. As shown in
FIG. 20, a lip 413'' is formed about the clipping portion 41''
corresponding to the outer edge of the support 32. At the
corresponding location to the set piece 324'', a set groove 414''
is formed on the lip 413''. When assembling the replaceable
forehead liner 3 to the mask 4, the set groove 414'' receives the
set piece 324'', and the support 32 is partially enclosed behind
the lip 413''. The area where the lip 413'' covers the support
pillar 321'' should be relatively higher to ensure a secured
assembly. Noteworthy, the cushions 323, thru holes 314, the concave
portion 315'', the protrusion portion 316, and the set piece 324''
of the instant embodiment can also be applied to the liner in the
first embodiment (not shown graphically).
[0050] In summary, the instant disclosure utilizes the hollow area
and hollow holes to improve the pressure distribution of the liner.
The flexible pads can be adjusted slightly for providing better
comfort, and the contacting area is increased to relieve the
pressure more proportionally. Furthermore, the locking member is
wider than the side of the hollow area or the hollow hole, which
increase the locking area for more secured attachment. The grooves
on the flexible pads reduce the likeliness of the liner slipping
off accidentally and help diverts off perspirations.
The descriptions illustrated supra set forth simply the preferred
embodiments of the instant disclosure; however, the characteristics
of the instant disclosure are by no means restricted thereto. All
changes, alternations, or modifications conveniently considered by
those skilled in the art are deemed to be encompassed within the
scope of the instant disclosure delineated by the following
claims.
* * * * *